Countertop Makeover

Tips for giving your countertop a new look.

All About

Product Ideas

Project designed by Jennifer R Ferguson.

Materials and Tools:

sandpaper
vinegar
AquaBond primer
Blueberry Vine stencil from Stencilled Garden - #SG406
Decoart acrylics: Country Blue - #DA41, Evergreen - #DA82, White - #DA01, Jade Green - #DA57, Prussian Blue - #DA138, Asphaltum - #DA180
stencil brushes
painter's tape
AquaSize
AquaCrackle - clear
AquaSeal

Steps:

1. Sand the surface of the countertop with light/medium sandpaper. Clean it off with tack cloth.

2. Clean the surface with vinegar to remove all oils and dirt from the surface. Avoid touching the surface again with hands to keep oils off the countertop.

Figure A

3. Prime the surface of the countertop with AquaBond. Roll on at least three or four coats for an even opaque coverage (figure A).

Figure B

4. Stencil Blueberry Vine design using the paint colors and instructions provided with the stencil. Move the design around for random placement. Allow the paint to dry for two to three days (figure B).

5. Apply AquaSize to the entire surface of the countertop using a foam roller or brush. For a crackle look, apply two coats of AquaSize, allowing the first coat to dry for at least 2-1/2 to three hours. Allow the AquaSize to dry for 30 minutes to four hours. The feel should be a firm tack.

Figure C

6. Within the 30-minute to four-hour time frame, apply the AquaCrackle. Apply it to a small section using a foam brush, then with recycled plastic bags. Continue to apply the crackle in small sections until the entire surface of the counter is complete (figure C).

7. Allow the AquaCrackle to completely dry for approximately four to eight hours.

Figure D

8. Apply color with AquaCreme and AquaColor. Apply glaze in small sections with a foam or chip brush. Using a terry rag, pounce into the glaze to soften the effect. Continue until the countertop is complete (figure D).